In a major boost to education and human capacity development in Ogoniland, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has granted N200 million in scholarships to 300 postgraduate students. The beneficiaries include 200 Master’s students, who received N500,000 each, and 100 PhD students, awarded N1 million each.
During the award ceremony in Port Harcourt, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, highlighted the organization’s commitment to merit-based selection, ensuring fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.
“HYPREP believes that education is a transformative tool that can unlock new opportunities and create sustainable alternative sources of livelihood for oil-impacted communities in Ogoniland,” Professor Zabbey stated.
He encouraged the scholarship recipients to actively contribute to HYPREP’s environmental and livelihood restoration projects while promoting peace and development in their communities.
“Your role as postgraduate students is beyond academia. You are peacebuilders who must promote unity, collaboration, and peaceful coexistence within Ogoni communities and beyond,” he emphasized.
Professor Zabbey also acknowledged the support of the Ogoni people and other stakeholders, which has been instrumental in the success of HYPREP’s initiatives. He announced that several key projects, including soil and groundwater remediation, shoreline cleanup, and mangrove restoration, are set for completion this year. Other infrastructure projects such as the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), Ogoni Specialist Hospital, Buan Cottage Hospital, and the Ogoni Power Project will also be delivered soon.
Additionally, HYPREP will introduce new initiatives focused on job creation and capacity building for Ogoni youth and women. The Head of Sustainable Livelihood at HYPREP, Mrs. Josephine Nzidee, outlined various intervention programs, including support for 2,000 Ogoni farmers, research grants for 200 final-year students, and the establishment of 20 Environment Clubs. She also highlighted specialized training in areas such as seafaring, creative arts, mechatronics, commercial diving, and cybersecurity. Furthermore, HYPREP will conduct skills training for persons with disabilities based on a needs assessment.
The transparency of the scholarship selection process was reaffirmed by the Managing Director of Pa-Ed Multilinks Consulting, the consulting firm overseeing the program. He explained that the process began with a sensitization program that attracted over 1,200 participants, followed by an orientation session detailing program requirements and expectations. Out of 837 registered candidates, 766 sat for the aptitude test. After thorough verification, 474 candidates were shortlisted, ensuring a fair and regionally balanced selection across the four Ogoni local government areas—Khana, Gokana, Eleme, and Tai.
Khana recorded the highest number of successful candidates at 45%, followed by Gokana (29%), Eleme (15%), and Tai (10%). These figures closely mirrored the overall registration distribution.
The scholarship award ceremony was graced by dignitaries, including the Director of Technical Services, Professor Damien-Paul Aguiyi, AIG Emmanuel Effiom (Rtd.), HRM King (Dr.) T.Y. Suanu Baridam, Gbenemene Ancient Bangha Kingdom, and Chief Stephen Kpean.
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